Looking for A Quiet Secluded Florida Beach for a Fall Getaway?

Barefoot Beach Preserve sits at the southern edge of Bonita Beach in Southwest Florida. It is a far cry from the party scene otherwise known as Fort Myers Beach which seems like a world away, even though it is only a few miles north.

You see, Barefoot Beach is run by Collier County and it is most defintely not a place where you will hear loud music or watch revelers toting beer bottles. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find even one single rowdy sole.

Beach goers come here to collect shells after a storm, or simply wade in the calm blue waters. On this day, the Gulf was especially calm, and the shells were plentiful.

My husband and I love to come here in the Fall especially. While you won’t find crisp fall leaves on the ground and no pumpkin spice lattes for miles, you will see fine white sand and shallow water that seems to stretch into oblivion.

We like to walk the mile and a half stretch of beach. We don’t usually sit under an umbrella because you would have to bring your own. People do, although there maybe were a handful when we arrived on a week day in September.

You might find a concession stand and vendors renting loungers and umbrellas during the tourist season, but Autumn definitely is not. That is why we come. And avoid the winter months if possible.

It’s not that I mind the tourists..Not at all. But we simply enjoy the peace and quiet that Fall brings to the beach.

Sure, you could come down here and visit more well known spots like Sanibel and Captiva. But after living here for six years now, we constantly gravitate toward Barefoot Beach, I guess because we love to hunt for shells, and walk barefoot near the water. No need for water shoes here, unless you are worried about stepping on a shell or two.

Simply getting to the beach is a treat in itself. You walk along a sandy path surrounded by mangroves only a few yards to arrive at the shore. Be on the look out for tortoises especially during nesting season.

Barefoot Beach Preserve is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, and the county plans to keep it that way. Sure there is a time and a place for the party scene. Although I have yet to visit Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach. I hear it is quite the happenings spot for people my age.

My hair stylist says it is full of drunk middle-age and old people. Which category does she think I fit in? Not to worry. I think hubby and I will stick to this place.

Since we live about ten miles away, it is a nice half-day jaunt for us. But if you plan to vacation here (would highly recommend) then you need a nearby place to stay. As we were driving home, I didn’t see any traditional hotels on the way, just condos and houses. If you search for vacation rentals on Bonita Beach you will probably find yourself a long walk or a short drive away.

Actually, on the way into the park, you will pass a string of stately mansions on the beach. But don’t worry, once you arrive at the preserve, there are several parking lots to choose from. Try to get here early, especially on the weekends.

Oh, and check underneath your car when you leave. Tortoises have been known to slide underneath vehicles, I guess to get some shelter. I’d rather sit under a palm tree, myself.

We have yet to see a tortoise here. There is always next time.